Henry Ford’s famous remark, US doesn’t have good roads because it’s rich but rich because it has good roads, has a prophetic nature to it. Decades later, the world over, people have realised the meaning of this simple statement.

Deprived of road connectivity for decades, 2700 voters across 24 villages in Kangku Circle under Likabali constituency have announced to boycott the coming Bye –Election on December 12. The decision is part of their ongoing ‘No Road No Vote’ agitation registering their angst for being deprived of road connectivity for the last 28 years.

Located in the foothills of now Lower Siang district, Kangku circle as with many other foothill areas face even greater challenges stemming from an ongoing tussle on the interstate boundary with Assam. It is a shame on the system that in the 21st century you would still witness villagers waiting for a short 65km road stretch.

Road connectivity is directly connected with progress and prosperity of any area. In absence of this, people are being deprived of a chance at living a better life.

If one recalls, Sisen village in East Siang boycotted the 2014 general elections for the same reason. Voting since 1978, the village is bereft of any road communication except for a hanging bridge over the mighty Siang river. Sisen villagers--with all good intent--mocked at the democratic exercise. It’s their way of fighting the flawed system from the margin; without much power to influence the policy makers.

It is absurd, that on one hand Arunachal is vigorously towing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Digital India’ vision and has announced to go cashless while its citizens are devoid of the basics. Not saying that ‘internet connectivity’ is great either.

‘Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters,’ said Abraham Lincoln centuries ago yet it is so relevant even till date. In narrow political sense, Kangku circle villagers are going to sit on their blisters till they vote next time. It’s their way of fighting the flawed system from the margin; without much power to influence the policy makers.

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313